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‘It's all bad news’: the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Author(s) -
Arber Anne,
Spencer Lesley
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.3162
Subject(s) - psychosocial , referral , medicine , distress , perspective (graphical) , grounded theory , palliative care , malignant disease , qualitative research , intensive care medicine , psychiatry , family medicine , clinical psychology , nursing , social science , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science , cancer
Objective This study explores patient's experience during the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Methods This study uses a grounded theory approach with semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews with 10 patients during the first 3 months following diagnosis. Results The key concept that emerged from the data was this: Uncertainty and lack of control leading to emotional, physical and psychosocial distress. Three themes informed the key concept: ‘ it's all bad news’, ‘good and bad days’ and strategies of amelioration. Patients worked with a short‐term perspective on their illness but worried about the long‐term outcome and the speed of their deterioration. Conclusions Patients receive insufficient psychosocial support during the first 3 months following diagnosis. An early palliative care referral would improve support and referral strategies during the first 3 months of the disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.